Madison & Luke: May 2011

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Mother's Day

I was terrible about taking pictures on Mother's Day. Apologies to Bagga Jan for not capturing our brunch together. I did grab these photos of dinner with my family.

Luke, Bagga Judy & Madison

The monkeys & Uncle Jason

With Grandpa Silly

I had to throw this cute picture in here. Bagga Glen gave the kids 2 huge boxes so that they could build a fort at Bagga Jan's. Needless to say it was a huge hit!

The Friday before Mother's Day Madison's class hosted a tea for their Mommy's. They also put on a show...singing a few songs & reciting a poem. It was a great morning. Maddie kept saying, "We HAVE to serve our Mommy before we can have a muffin!" The teachers must have really drilled that into them :-)

Taking a bow after a stellar performance

My baby & I. Yes, I realize I'm wearing a large hat. Not traditionally my style but one of the other Moms suggested we all wear them. I have to say...it was kinda fun!

Youth Science Insitute

A couple of weeks ago Grace held their Friday classes at the Youth Science Institute in Vasona Lake Park. They went on a hike, did an art project, played games & then had a class on exotic bugs & spiders (not Mommy's favorite!)

Tallulah, Luke, Jack Moses, Matthew, Ryan, Jack McGraw & Alea

Enjoying the bugs

Time to enjoy a little sunshine

"Rewards"

If you are one of her Grandparent's then you already know about Madison's generosity...with your money :-) Madison collected change from Bagga Jan & Bagga Glen & on one occasion, had my Mom empty out her wallet...all with the intention of giving it to the poor. When the tsunami devastated Japan she thought that they might need it more. Saint Andrew's held a bake sale to raise money in order to aid Japan so Madison took her bags of change & donated them to the sale. She didn't even accept a cookie in return! One of the mother's organizing the sale (who also happened to be Japanese) was incredible touched by Madison's gesture. She alerted the school & they in turn recognized Madison in chapel that week with a "Character Counts" award. Madison was so proud of herself! She kept saying, "Look, my first reward!" :-) Here she accepts her award along side the little girl who's idea it was to have the bake sale in the first place...

Monday, May 16, 2011

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Luke's class performed an environmentally conscientious Mother's Day song. The lighting is terrible but he's not hard to see...he's a full head taller than the rest of the class...

Mother's Day at Grace Preschool

My last Mother's Day at Grace! After four years it's hard to say goodbye to such a fantastic school. This year, as in the past, the kid's treated us to tea, muffins & a song...
My little guy

With the beautiful plant he gave me (the pot is his exclusive design)

I have dozens of pictures like this. Luke grabbed my camera & proceeded to snap away...

Luke's friend, Annika, took these two...

Thank you for the poem & hand prints buddy! I know one day I will marvel at the size your hands once were :-)

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Birthday Girl Trot

As the birthday girl, Madison was taken for the final pony ride & even had the chance to trot! Here's a short video...

Pony Party

With her birthday arriving before April 15th every year Madison has to wait patiently for her actual party. It was worth the wait! Yesterday she had a great time up at Garrod Farms in Saratoga riding ponies with her friends...

Natalie, Madison & Skylar